Award Recipient: Steven J. Burakoff, The Tisch Cancer Institute, Mount Sinai Medical CenterThe AAI Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest honor bestowed by the AAI Council upon an AAI member. This award recognizes a deserving member for a career of scientific achievement and for contributions to AAI and fellow immunologists. The award will be presented prior to the start of the AAI Presidential Address.

The AAI Excellence in Mentoring Award recognizes an AAI member’s exemplary career contributions to a future generation of scientists. The award will be presented prior to the start of the AAI Presidential Symposium.

The AAI award programs honor members at every career stage. AAI awards are presented throughout the meeting in special sessions. For complete information on all AAI Awards, please visit www.aai.org/Awards.

Generously sponsored by eBioscience, Inc.Friday, May 8, 6:00 – 7:30 PM — WSCTC Exhibit Hall New this year! Immediately following the Presidential Address, attendees are invited to the exhibit floor to seek out friends and the many exciting new offers from the AAI exhibitors.

This always popular event has been scheduled for Saturday “prime time” this year and given a new format. Young scientists will enjoy a relaxed but festive atmosphere to meet, network—and dance!

AAI Gala

Generously sponsored by BioLegend and Tomy Digital Biology Co., Ltd.Sunday, May 10, 7:00 – 10:00 PM — Benaroya Concert Hall, SeattleFor AAI members with invitations only (click here for details)Following a reception in the spectacular atrium lobby of the Benaroya Hall, guests will enter the concert hall for a program tailored uniquely for AAI!

AAI Business Meeting and Awards PresentationMonday, May 11, 12:45 – 2:15 PM — WSCTC Room 606-607This session will include the annual report to AAI members on AAI and The Journal of Immunology business affairs and will feature the following 2009 AAI awards presentations and acknowledgements. Lunch will be provided (no ticket required).

Dr. Monroe

AAI Distinguished Service AwardFor dedicated leadership as Chair of the AAI Program Committee(2006-2009)

Immunology at CDC: Research Opportunities in Public HealthSaturday, May 9, 12:30 – 2:00 PM — WSCTC Room 606-607Chair: William R. Green, Dartmouth Medical School, Chair, AAI Committee on Public AffairsSpeakersAlison C. Mawle, Associate Director for Laboratory Science, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Coordinating Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Immunology at CDC: why it mattersConrad Quinn, Molecular Pathogenesis and Immunology Team, Meningitis and Vaccine Preventable Diseases Branch, Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Coordinating Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Anthrax vaccines – from Pasteur to pasture to PAEllen Kersh, Laboratory Branch, Pre-clinical Evaluation Team, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV, Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, Coordinating Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Immunological factors impact susceptibility to SHIV in a macaque model of repeated mucosal viral challengeLearn about the exciting immunological research being conducted at the CDC. Speakers will also describe ongoing collaborative and interagency work, as well as funding opportunities for scientists. A question and answer period will follow the presentations.

Good Science Gone Bad: “Dual Use” Research and How It Affects YouSunday, May 10, 12:30 – 2:30 PM — WSCTC Room 606-607Chair: William R. Green, Dartmouth Medical School, Chair, AAI Committee on Public AffairsKeynote SpeakerPaul S. Keim, Chair, National Science Advisory Board on Biosecurity (NSABB) Communications Working Group; Director of Pathogen Genomics, The Translational Research Institute (TGen); Director, Center for Microbial Genetics and Genomics, and The Cowden Endowed Chair in Microbiology. Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff AZ, Good research for bad purposes: how to know “dual use” research when you see it, and when you should worrySpeakersDavid A. Relman, Member, National Science Advisory Board on Biosecurity (NSABB); Professor of Microbiology & Immunology, and of Medicine, Stanford University; Chief of Infectious Diseases, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, The future life sciences landscape: benefits and risksDavid R. Franz, Co-Chair, National Science Advisory Board on Biosecurity (NSABB) International Working Group; Chief Biological Scientist, Midwest Research Institute (Frederick, MD), Regulating “dual-use” research: if the U.S. does, will the world follow?Paul S. Keim, Chair, National Science Advisory Board on Biosecurity (NSABB) Communications Working Group; Director of Pathogen Genomics, The Translational Research Institute (TGen); Director, Center for Microbial Genetics and Genomics, and The Cowden Endowed Chair in Microbiology, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff AZ, The anthrax letter attacks: investigating the researchers, investigating the crimeBIOTERRORISM! Caused by a rogue scientist or caused, unknowingly, by you?! Caused by you because you didn’t know about “dual use research” (research that can be used for both beneficial and nefarious purposes). This session will explore the political and scientific issues surrounding dual use research, its dangers and benefits — including its forensic role in identifying suspects in the 2002 anthrax case — and many of the key concerns about government regulation of such research. A question and answer period will follow the presentations.

Meet the Advocacy PartnersSunday, May 10, 4:00 – 5:00 PM — WSCTC, Room 610Chair: William R. Green, Dartmouth Medical School, Chair, AAI Committee on Public AffairsRepresentatives from the following organizations will be available to talk about their work and about scientific and funding opportunities that may be available to AAI members/meeting attendees:

American Diabetes Association

Arthritis Foundation

National Alopecia Areata Foundation

International Pemphigus & Pemphigoid Foundation

Education Committee

The NIH Grant Maze: Navigating Old Turns and New TwistsSaturday, May 9, 10:30 AM – 12:15 PM — WSCTC Room 608-609Chair: Barry P. Sleckman, Washington University School of Medicine, AAI Education CommitteeSpeakersBarry P. Sleckman, Associate Professor, Washington University School of Medicine, IntroductionCheryl A. Kitt, Deputy Director, Center for Scientific Review, NIH, NIH grant rules, obligations and changes every PI should know: an overview from CSRGail A. Bishop, Professor, University of Iowa, Chair, TTT Study Section, Notes from a study section chair: what it takes to rise to the topRichard A. Pelroy, Program Director, NCI, The role of NIH Institute program officials in the grant processDISCUSSION (audience participation invited)

John H. Wallace High School Teachers Workshop: Lessons in Immunology

Saturday, May 9, 10:15 AM – 12:15 PM — WSCTC Room 615-616

Chair: Brian A. Cobb, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine The AAI High School Teachers Program brings the excitement of immunology directly to high school students by sending high school science teachers into the laboratories of established immunologists who mentor them in a “hands-on” summer internship. The teachers develop a science project for the classroom based on their summer experience. The teachers present their experiences and projects in this session.

2008-2009 Program Participants

Teacher:Mary Haus, Los Osos High School, Rancho Cucamonga, CA, From horses to high school – bringing Pigeon Fever studies into the classroom

Education Committee and Committee on the Status of WomenCareers in Science: Lecture and Roundtable DiscussionSaturday, May 9, 1:30 – 3:30 PM — WSCTC Room 6CChair: Christine Milcarek, University of Pittsburgh, Chair, AAI Committee on the Status of Women; Co-Chair: Bonnie N. Dittel, BloodCenter of Wisconsin, Blood Research InstituteSpeaker: Phyllis M. Wise, Provost and Executive Vice President, University of WashingtonLearn about career options and successful paths to each in this session. Following a guest presentation, experienced scientists will serve as roundtable discussion leaders and offer one-on-one insight about specific career issues and options important to men and women in science today. Attendance will be limited to the first 300 registrants. Roundtable topics will address career options and issues that challenge success at all career stages, including:

GENERAL: Topics related to the environment you work in or want to work in –

▪ Career and Family: time management/family leave/professional couples▪ Integrity and Ethics: dealing with controversy, discrimination in the workplace▪ Alternative Careers: science journalism, patent law▪ The Scientist’s Role in Public Policy▪ Time ManagementRegistration, $10 fee required; dessert buffet and coffee included.

Careers and Networking RoundtableSunday, May 10, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM — WSCTC Room 610Chair: Randy R. Brutkiewicz, Indiana University School of Medicine, Chair, AAI Minority Affairs CommitteeDon’t miss this opportunity to meet one-on-one with senior minority immunologists to hear how they have handled the career challenges you now face. Learn what they believe will work for you today.Registration, $10 fee required; box lunch included.

Speaker: Emil R. UnanueWashington University School of MedicineThe mysteries of peptide selection by the class II MHC molecules

Publications Committee

Course: Excellence in Scientific WritingFriday, May 8, 12:00 – 4:00 PM — Eliza Anderson Amphitheater, Seattle Grand Hyatt HotelInstructor: Karen Kurt TealImprove the quality of your writing! AAI is offering a custom technical writing seminar for scientists. In addition to the basic principles of writing and grammar, the course will address ways to strengthen the quality of grant proposals and manuscripts. This course will be taught by Karen Kurt Teal, Ph.D. Dr. Teal is a faculty member in the Department of Human Centered Design and Engineering, University of Washington where she teaches technical writing for scientists and engineers. Her courses have included “Writing the Scientific Article” (graduate level), “Style in Scientific and Technical Writing”, “Introduction to Technical Communication”, and “Advanced Technical Writing and Oral Presentation”. Course is limited to 100 attendees. Dr. Teal was awarded her doctorate in English from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in 2000. Topics to be covered by the course include:

Scientific Publishing: Dos and Don’ts for Authors and ReviewersSunday, May 10, 12:30 – 2:30 PM — WSCTC Room 6CChair: Robert D. Schreiber, Washington University School of Medicine, Chair, AAI Publications CommitteeSpeakersPamela J. Fink, University of Washington School of Medicine, Dos and don’ts when writing a scientific manuscript JoAnne L. Flynn, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Essentials for becoming a valued reviewer Pamela A. Shaw, NIAID, NIH, The appropriate use of statistics in the biological sciencesJeremy M. Boss, Emory University School of Medicine and Editor-in-Chief, The Journal of Immunology, What do you mean I already published it? Ethics in scientific publishing

SpeakersThomas Spies, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, NKG2D-mediated suppression of tumor immunityDavid H. Raulet, University of California, Berkeley, Regulation of NKG2D ligands and the role of NKG2D in tumor surveillance

Working B Cells: How to Make Antibodies that Protect for Anti-HIV VaccinesMonday, May 11, 10:15 AM – 12:15 PM — WSCTC Room 606-607Chair: Helen Quill, DAIT, NIAID, NIHCo-Chair: Tony Conley, DAIT, NIAID, NIHSpeakersHarry W. Schroeder, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Regulation of the primary antibody CDR-H3 repertoire and epitope selection in immunoglobulin responses to HIVLeonidas A. Stamatatos, Seattle Biomedical Research Institution, Prevalence and epitope specificities of broadly-neutralizing antibodies generated during HIV-1 infection: how can we elicit them by vaccination?Abraham Pinter, UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, Targets for HIV-1 neutralization—limitations and new approachesJames Kobie, University of Rochester, The cellular basis of protective anti-HIV antibody responsesThis session will address scientific progress in B cell biology relevant to the production of broadly neutralizing anti-HIV-1 antibodies for the development of prophylactic vaccines. It will feature presentations of recent basic advances together with panel discussion of the intriguing immunological issues involved and potential solutions to roadblocks.

GUEST SOCIETY SYMPOSIA

AAI is joined by the following guest societies presenting two-hour symposia in special disciplines.

British Society for Immunology (BSI) Special Symposium: Immune Responses to Distressed Self

Scott S. Zamvil, University of California, San Francisco, Mechanisms of B cell involvement in CNS autoimmunityKevin C. O’Connor, Harvard Medical School, The specificity of B cells in the CNS of multiple sclerosis patientsAnne H. Cross, Washington University School of Medicine, B cell depletion in the therapy of relapsing multiple sclerosis

Singaporean Society for Immunology (SSI) Symposium: New Initiatives in Asia

Barry P. Sleckman, Associate Professor, Washington University School of Medicine, IntroductionCheryl A. Kitt, Deputy Director, Center for Scientific Review, NIH, NIH grant rules, obligations and changes every PI should know: an overview from CSRGail A. Bishop, Professor, University of Iowa, Chair, TTT Study Section, Notes from a study section chair: what it takes to rise to the topRichard A. Pelroy, Program Director, NCI, The role of NIH institute program officials in the grant processDISCUSSION (audience participation invited)

▪ Career and Family: time management/family leave/professional couples▪ Integrity and Ethics: dealing with controversy, discrimination in the workplace▪ Alternative Careers: science journalism, patent law▪ The Scientist’s Role in Public Policy▪ Time ManagementRegistration, $10 fee required; dessert buffet and coffee included.

AAI Minority Affairs CommitteeCareers and Networking RoundtableSunday, May 10, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM — WSCTC Room 610Chair: Randy R. Brutkiewicz, Indiana University School of Medicine, Chair, AAI Minority Affairs CommitteeDon’t miss this opportunity to meet one-on-one with senior minority immunologists to hear how they have handled the career challenges you now face. Learn what they believe will work for you today.Registration, $10 fee required; box lunch included.

Improve the quality of your writing! AAI is offering a custom technical writing seminar for scientists. In addition to the basic principles of writing and grammar, the course will address ways to strengthen the quality of grant proposals and manuscripts. This course will be taught by Karen Kurt Teal, Ph.D. Dr. Teal is a faculty member in the Department of Human Centered Design and Engineering, University of Washington where she teaches technical writing for scientists and engineers. Her courses have included “Writing the Scientific Article” (graduate level), “Style in Scientific and Technical Writing”, “Introduction to Technical Communication”, and “Advanced Technical Writing and Oral Presentation”. Course is limited to 100 attendees. Dr. Teal was awarded her doctorate in English from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in 2000.Topics to be covered by the course include:

Social media tools like Facebook, MySpace and Twitter are changing the way scientists communicate and network with one another. While these platforms can be used for research purposes, they are also becoming increasingly important as a means to enhance career development. This seminar offers insights into how social media can be used to network and find employment.

Corporate recruiters look for a very different set of skills from those wanted by academic search committees. Learn how to reach recruiters and potential employers with an effective resume that highlights the value you have to offer and strengthens your candidacy for jobs outside of academia.

This is a general “how to” class for anyone looking to hone their interviewing skills or simply wanting to learn the basics of proper interviewing. Get tips on what to do and what not to do when you meet a potential employer.

This two-part workshop is designed to provide an overview of the Academic Job Search process and help you understand how to present your credentials in the strongest manner possible both on paper and in person.. You need not attend Part 1 to benefit from Part 2.

Part 1: If you’ve sent the same materials to search committees at two different universities, then at least one of the search committees will be less than impressed. Academic search committees at different institutions have very different perspectives as to what makes a strong candidate and desirable colleague. Part 1 of this two part session will help you to understand the search process from the eyes of the committee.

Part 2: Academic search committees at different institutions have very different perspectives as to what makes a strong candidate and desirable colleague. Part 2 of this two part session is designed to help you understand how to present your credentials in the strongest manner possible both on paper and in person. You need not attend Part 1 to benefit from Part 2.

“Teamwork” is a buzz word that is bandied about when it comes to jobs at pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Everybody has heard of teamwork but how is it applied in the life sciences industry? This seminar will help to define the concept of teamwork and provide insights into how teams function in industry.

Use your time in graduate school to qualify you for as broad a set of career paths as possible, and maximize your ability to seek employment outside of academia. This workshop provides an introduction to tools and strategies you can use well before you’re looking for a job. It will also cover how to integrate professional development activities geared toward non-academic work into your graduate studies while ensuring the integrity and timeliness of your academic progress.

Postdoctoral Fellowships: What Should You be Looking For and How Can You Find It?Sunday, May 10, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM, Room 605Presenter: Andrew Green

Many Ph.D.s fall into a postdoctoral fellowship rather than pursuing the process strategically. A postdoc is never an end in itself; rather it’s a means to your next position. Learn how to choose opportunities that will best prepare you for that next position.

After months of stressful silence, the voice on the other end of the phone says, “We’d like to invite you for an on-campus interview.” You gleefully discuss schedules, airports, and other arrangements until the voice mentions “and of course we’re all looking forward to your Job Talk,” and your stomach begins to spasm in new and creative ways. This seminar will provide answers to your questions about how to structure your presentation, how much detail to include, and how to reach your audience.

The Immune Epitope Database and Analysis Resource (IEDB) is a freely available online resource supported by the National Institutes of Health. The IEDB provides open access to published data related to antibody and T cell epitopes recognized in humans, non-human primates, rodents, and other animal species. It also hosts a variety of online tools that allow you to analyze curated data or data provided by you, and tools to predict epitopes. The IEDB has curated the majority of epitopes from infectious diseases and allergies, and is now adding epitopes relevant to autoimmune diseases. In this workshop, we will present highlights and examples of the latest major release, version 2.0. IEDB staff will tour the website by way of an introductory presentation meant to familiarize attendees with the site, the extent of coverage of the literature, and its improved interface. Following the presentation, attendees will then be invited to guide real-time demonstrations and/or ask general questions about building queries or how to use online tools to analyze datasets of personal interest. Several IEDB staff will also be on hand to answer questions and collect feedback for the current and future versions. If you already have ideas on what you’d like to see demonstrated at the workshop, please feel free to email workshop@iedb.org.

This workshop is intended for anyone with an interest in cell signaling, internalization studies, immune synapse analysis, high throughput FISH, and other applications of imaging flow cytometry. This high speed technique images hundreds of thousands of cells per experiment directly in fluid suspension, making it well suited to the visualization and analysis of even very rare immune cell subsets. The image quality is comparable to a high quality microscope and the fluorescence sensitivity is better than standard flow cytometry. Scientists who use Amnis’ technology will present their latest results and Amnis will present its latest technological developments. For detailed abstracts of the workshop presentations, please visit Amnis at booth 403.

The Gallios delivers analytical excellence, coupling extraordinary sensitivity, resolution and dynamic range with high-speed data collection. A particular emphasis on optical and electronics design, combined with powerful automation and software tools, allows Gallios to greatly enhance the efficiency and analytical capabilities of flow cytometry laboratories. Developed for the research and biopharmaceutical markets, with input from a number of investigators, the multi-color, multi-laser Gallios is the first in a series of key flow cytometry instrument, software and reagent releases that Beckman Coulter plans to announce this year. Preview the new Kaluza analysis software that revolutionizes flow analysis speed with patented technology and intelligent workspace design. Kaluza provides seamless integration for easy analysis of .fcs files from the FC 500 or Gallios, including protocol gates and regions with layout flexibility and multiparametric analysis.

This workshop focuses on how the industry leading flow cytometry data analysis software, FCS Express, can be used to enhance and simplify your studies of the complex machinery of the immune system. FCS Express is a full feature software solution used by hundreds of research labs worldwide with a focus on studying cell interactions and function. FCS Express combines the ease of use of a modern user interface with all the data analysis and presentation capabilities you need. FCS Express offers many powerful features such as: creating PowerPoint slides directly from your layout, post-acquisition compensation, parameter math, non-rectangular quadrants, custom statistic creation, unlimited undo, histogram subtraction, channel calibration, drag and drop interface and much more. We have several add-on features available including Proliferation, Multicycle, Logging/Audit trails, Security and importers for Diva experiments and Accuri instrument files. The workshop will give an overview of how you can FCS Express can generate complex analysis and reports in a fraction of the time it takes you now, to let you spend more time on science instead of analysis.

As researchers develop more sophisticated model systems to address current questions in the life sciences, the evolution of relevant tools for this research must keep pace. Realizing the power of multi-parameter flow cytometry requires the availability of high performance fluorochromes paired with appropriate specificities to acquire consistent and reliable data. The new eFluor™ brand of fluorochromes from eBioscience includes two product lines, organic and nanocrystal-based fluorochromes, designed to provide the best performing reagents for multicolor flow cytometry. Maximizing use of the violet laser is paramount to designing robust multicolor flow cytometry panels. The presentation will focus on the physical properties of the eBioscience nanocrystal technology and the initial offering of eFluor™ products. Data will be presented to show practical tips and advantages regarding the use of eFluor™ Nanocrystals and Organic Dyes in multicolor staining applications.

Multi-color flow cytometry is the method of choice for identification of specific cell populations. R&D Systems has developed new multi-color kits for phenotyping of human TH17 cells and mouse hematopoietic progenitors. Multi-color fluorescent microscopy has also become an option with the development of NorthernLights™ directly conjugated primary antibodies for immunocytochemistry. Rapid identification of transcription factors and their target genes in many different cell types has also been made possible by the development of ExactaChIP chromatin immunoprecipitation kits. These tools provide new ways to identify cellular characteristics and assess molecular events.

Learn how to utilize cellular and molecular approaches to optimize research and clinical activities during drug discovery and development. We will present best practices involved in procuring, managing, and testing biological samples from preclinical and clinical studies, with an emphasis on cell based immune assays.

Cytokine biology is often too complex to unravel using traditional techniques of molecular biology. Cytokines commonly work synergistically or antagonistically with other cytokines, with overlapping functions and cross-talk among cytokines being the rules rather than the exceptions. Therefore, using traditional ELISA or Western-blot analysis to measure changes in just a few cytokines can give an incomplete picture of the role of these proteins in an experimental model. Cytokine antibody arrays are multiplexed assays that can measure changes in expression of hundreds of cytokines simultaneously, allowing researchers to obtain a more global perspective on cytokine expression compared to traditional approaches. An overview of cytokine array technologies will be presented, as well as specific examples of how cytokine antibody arrays can be used to identify biomarkers, key factors and drug targets and to elucidate biochemical mechanisms and pathways.

Miltenyi Biotec GmbH introduces the MACSQuant™ Analyzer, a novel instrument leading science into a new era of automated cell analysis. The MACSQuant™ Analyzer boasts such innovative features as nine optical parameters, absolute cell counting, sensitive rare cell analysis facilitated by MACS® Technology, and multisample labeling and analysis of up to 96 samples all packaged in a compact benchtop design. Operated by the easy-to-use MACSQuantify™ Software on the integrated touchscreen monitor, the researcher is able to perform automated gating strategies and cell population analysis, as well as save individual settings and experimental templates. At our workshop, we invite you to view the intuitive software as well as see the advanced features of autocalibration and autocompensation in action. If time and space permits, there may also be some opportunities for hands-on operation of the software. Excite and inspire.

Understanding the biology of living cells requires a systematic survey of the gene, protein, and pathway activities within a cell. SABiosciences pioneered and continues to develop pathway-focused tools for inflammation, infection and autoimmunity. RT2 Profiler PCR Arrays measure the expression of 84 related genes grouped by signaling or disease pathway. The Multi-Analyte ELISArray Kits simultaneously analyze 12 cytokines or chemokines in up to six samples using the standard ELISA protocol in a pre-optimized system. Lastly, the Cignal Pathway Reporter Assays study multiple signal transduction pathways in vivo such as NFkB and JAK/STAT signaling. Many immunologists have already discovered the power of these technologies. Come and learn how you can use them.

Analysis of Toll-like Receptors, MyD88 and adapter molecules, inflammasomes and associated molecules using novel reagents will be presented. Current knowledge and an expanding appreciation of the complex and critical role of TLRs in the innate and adaptive immune response pathways will be overviewed. Various TLRs and related products including antibodies, peptide inhibitors, and TLR agonists will be demonstrated as probe sets for profiling the regulatory network of the innate and adaptive immune response through new assay systems and applications. Examples of assay systems- for Cell Analysis using flow cytometry, for Proteomic Analysis using western blotting and arrays, and for Molecular Analysis – will be presented as models for use in studies of TLRs and associated molecules and their involvement in normal and disease related areas including:

The chemokines can be divided into inflammatory and homeostatic; each one of these subfamilies has been shaped by evolutionary forces. These characteristics also apply to many other molecular superfamilies. Inflammatory chemokines are located together in specific chromosomal loci, while homeostatic chemokines are located in isolated chromosomal sites. This organization is the result of gene duplication events that have shaped this superfamily, and also explains the lack of correlation of some chemokines between the mouse and the human genomes. The homeostatic chemokines exhibit strong conservation throughout evolution, while the inflammatory chemokines are among the most dynamic genes present in the genome. The latter feature helps organisms cope with new infectious agents.

BioLegend is a major supplier of reagents for biomedical researchers, offering a wide range of antibodies, immunoassay kits, assay development and sample testing services. These products and services use multiple technological platforms including single and multiplex immunoassays (LEGEND MAX™ ELISA, AlphaLISA®, LEGENDplex™ xMAP®, and LEGENDArray™ Flow Cytometric bead-based assays). The workshop will discuss immunoassay development processes, analytical and biological validation criteria to ensure sensitive, accurate, and reproducible quantification of targets in samples. Specific discussion will focus on the development of novel bead-based multiplex assays for human and mouse TH17 cytokines and on AlphaLISA® assays. The latter is able to quantify targets with sensitivities at fg/ml with a broader dynamic range (> 106). Simple and non-wash protocols can be easily automated. In summary, the wide array of reagents and services available from BioLegend will provide simple solutions to meet the needs of researchers, guaranteed with BioLegend’s quality, value pricing, and expert support.

Thymic GVHD (tGVHD), which is mediated by alloreactive T cells, causes delayed lymphoid recovery after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. However, the identity of which thymic cell subsets are damaged, and their sensitivity to specific cytolytic pathways, remains unclear. Thymic stromal cells, in particular, are heterogeneous and require multiple markers to define, and we therefore collaborated with the BD Biosciences R&D group to evolve an 11-color antibody staining panel for the LSR II, which allowed for detailed analyses of these cells. Using clinically relevant allo-BMT models, we show that small numbers of donor alloreactive T cells insufficient to mediate lethal GVHD are nonetheless sufficient to damage the thymus and delay T lineage reconstitution. Furthermore, these donor alloreactive T cells require a variety of trafficking and co-inhibitory/co-stimulatory molecules to mediate disease. We found that radiation in bone marrow transplant conditioning regimens upregulates expression of the death receptors Fas and DR5 on thymic stromal cells (especially epithelium) while decreasing their expression of the anti-apoptotic protein cFLIP. Donor alloreactive T cells then utilize the cognate proteins Fas ligand and TRAIL to mediate tGVHD, thus damaging thymic stromal cells and function. Strategies that interfere with Fas/Fas ligand and TRAIL/DR5 signals may represent a strategy to attenuate tGVHD.

The new Pall Purecell™ Select System is a rapid, easy to use, single use disposable for the isolation of Mononuclear cells (MNC) from whole blood and cord blood for cell based research. Inherent advantages over traditional density gradient methods include increased recovery, reproducibility, speed and ease of use. Study results comparing the Pall Purecell™ Select System to density gradient methods for isolation of MNC will be presented. Participants will walk away from the workshop with an awareness of how the Purecell™ Select System can fit into their current research applications and potential future use in clinical cell manufacturing processes.

Dynabeads® tube-based cell separation is the technology of choice for high yields of pure, viable, and functional cells. Cells are not subjected to the stress of being passed through a dense column or exposed to iron oxide. Dynabeads are coated with an inert polymer layer that prevents iron leakage. The FlowComp™ positive cell isolation system allows for the removal of the beads to further minimize the impact on cells and allow for downstream applications such as flow based assays or cell culture. Results from side-by-side comparisons of Dynabeads FlowComp positive isolation and Dynabeads Untouched™ negative isolation technologies with column-based methods show how this gentle and consistent isolation system gives higher yields, purity, and viability, hence healthier cells for more reliable downstream data. Combine Dynabeads tube-based cell separation with our cellular analysis products to easily isolate and characterize any cell type.

Guinea pigs has been the most commonly used preclinical model for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma research. However, tools for biomarker studies in guinea pigs have been scarce. Using the Luminex xMAP® system, we have developed a novel immunoassay panel to monitor guinea-pig proteins from biological samples. The assay procedure is similar to traditional ELISA methods, and multiple markers can be quantified in such diverse sample types as serum, plasma, bronchial lavage fluid, and tissue culture supernatants. Quantification is achieved using recombinant guinea pig proteins for calibration. Assay performance and relevance to disease models will be discussed.

This tutorial will provide information on how to set up a cytokine assays with appropriate controls, tips and tricks for optimizing results, and how to make sense of the generated data. Topics such as choosing appropriate methods and standards and data analysis will also be covered.

The new iSCIP® (in situ Cell Imaging Platform) system from Cyntellect has been developed to address current limitations in live cell imaging and processing. The iSCIP combines high quality optics with powerful software for accurate cell analysis. The iSCIP is a bench top device which can very rapidly identify, and analyze cells in situ in tissue-culture flasks, in multi-well plates and even in Petri dishes using brightfield and fluorescence detection. The iSCIP is particularly useful for adherent cells, as these cells can be directly counted and analyzed in the flask or multiwall plate without any need for trypsinization or labeling. The iSCIP platform has utility in many areas of cell biology study including cell culture management including clonal selection, drug discovery and development and toxicology. Applications of the iSCIP include cell proliferation assays, apoptosis assays, assays for cell health including growth curves and viability and also assays for cell classification, or changes in morphology.Cells can be counted in situ without stains, fixatives, or harvesting, assay time and costs are reduced without compromising data quality. The ability to count cells at any time point without sacrificing them allows researchers to optimize experimental conditions and use cells for other purposes. Finally, high quality images of cells may be archived at any time point, allowing future visual analysis of any screening “hits.”

The power of flow cytometry to detect and quantify protein expression at the single-cell level extends beyond antigens expressed on the cell surface. As the potential of multicolor flow cytometry grows, the ability to accurately determine intracellular protein expression, including cytokines, cytoplasmic proteins and nuclear proteins, becomes increasingly important. However, experimental conditions, techniques and controls conventionally employed for surface proteins are not always suitable for detection of intracellular targets. Optimizing experimental setup is fundamental to allow reliable interpretation of intracellular staining results. Among the topics covered will be: appropriate controls to use for intracellular targets, choice of staining buffer and optimizing fluorochrome selection. eBioscience offers a wide range of reagents and support products for intracellular staining and flow cytometry, including a diverse selection of products for analysis of cytokines and transcription factors.

BLOCK SYMPOSIA

Submitted abstracts are programmed into oral or poster sessions; oral sessions are called Block Symposia. Each abstract selected for a Block Symposium will also be presented in a Poster Session. Approximately 50 Block Symposia will be presented at IMMUNOLOGY 2009™; all sessions will be held in the Washington State Convention & Trade Center.

The most interactive part of the meeting! Discuss data and research issues firsthand with authors at the Poster Sessions. Posters will be displayed Saturday through Monday in the Washington State Convention & Trade Center Exhibit Hall from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, with authors present from 12:30 – 1:30 PM.

About IPPF

The International Pemphigus & Pemphigoid Foundation’s most important objectives are to provide patients and doctors worldwide with information about pemphigus and pemphigoid, and to provide patients and their caregivers much needed comfort and support so they can continue to live active, productive lives.Read more »